Orinda’s downtown plan polarizing residents

Controversial plans to “revitalize” downtown Orinda have polarized segments of the community and sparked spirited debate at EastBayDaze – but city officials say residents should bring their opinions to the town’s April 27 meeting on the topic.

Some Orindans object to the Planning Process Review Task Force’s plans for developing the town, plans that include broad changes to existing height and density restrictions. Many feel the move toward creating a “vibrant” downtown will alter Orinda’s small-town, semi-rural look and feel.

Similar angst has been experienced in Moraga and Lafayette, frustrating city officials tired of defending their actions after the fact. Lafayette Town Manager Steven Falk points out that his town has gone to great lengths to ensure a transparency of the planning process, but that some residents remain unconvinced and angry.

In Orinda, Commissioner Louise Adamson has said she has been “disappointed” by the lack of community response to the development plan. Residents tell EastBayDaze they feel important meetings are not being adequately publicized and that when residents do turn up, key agenda items are frequently pushed back to an hour that makes it difficult for them to stay.

To that end, the PPRTF plan will be the only item to be heard that night of the 27th, so residents will have plenty of opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about the future of their town.